Religion Religion OverviewOverview

Definition of Religion:Definition of Religion:

• Set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature,and purpose of the universe.

Religious symbols, Left to right:Row 1. Christian, Jewish, HinduRow 2. Islamic, Buddhist, ShintoRow 3. Sikh, Baha'i, Jain

Theism = the belief that at least Theism = the belief that at least one higher being existsone higher being exists

• Monotheism = belief in one god

• Polytheism = belief in many gods

• Democracy = rule by many

• Theocracy = government where religious law is above civil law

3 Major World Religions3 Major World Religions• Judaism

– established 2000 BCE – traces its heritage to a covenant God made with Abraham and

his people – God would make them a sacred people and give them a holy

land• Christianity

– began in 1st century AD as a Jewish sect – founded upon the belief that Jesus was the Messiah (the son of

god)• Islam

– began in 7th century Arabia with Muhammad's first recitations of the Qur'an

• sacred text of Islam• contains the teachings of the prophet that were revealed to

him from Allah

Religions of the WorldReligions of the World